NAIROBI, Kenya — Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has alleged that he and his allies are facing victimisation within the former ruling party because of their political positions, particularly his endorsement of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kioni claimed that individuals associated with his political camp were being unfairly targeted despite their efforts to defend and strengthen the party.
The former Ndaragwa Member of Parliament questioned why his support for Matiang’i and commitment to Jubilee’s ideals had become a source of contention.
“What crime did I commit by fighting for the party, defending its ideals, and openly endorsing Fred Matiang’i as our preferred presidential candidate?” Kioni posed.
He further asked why those aligned with that cause were allegedly being singled out.
“Why are those associated with this cause being singled out and victimized?” he added.
Kioni’s remarks come several months after a major leadership reshuffle within Jubilee Party that saw him removed from the influential position of Secretary-General and appointed Deputy Party Leader in charge of operations.
The changes were announced in January following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the party leader.
Kioni was replaced as Secretary-General by former Narok North MP Richard Moitalel Ole Kenta.
At the time, Jubilee said the appointment was part of efforts to strengthen the party’s leadership structure and prepare it for future political engagements.
Following his reassignment, Kioni welcomed the new role and outlined his responsibilities, which include overseeing party operations, strengthening grassroots structures, ensuring compliance with party processes, and coordinating stakeholder engagement.
“I am tasked with strengthening party structures, ensuring compliance with party processes, coordinating operations from the grassroots to the national level, and leading the party’s engagement and alliance-building with key political and societal stakeholders,” he said.
The latest claims also revive memories of a public rebuke Kioni received from Uhuru in November 2025 over attacks directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
During a party function, the former President distanced Jubilee from what he described as politics of insults and warned members against using the party’s name to attack political opponents.
“Sometimes I get angry when I see leaders who claim to be fighting for the Jubilee Party but do so by insulting others,” Uhuru said at the time.
“I’ll tell you, Kioni, these stories I see online, people claiming to be in Jubilee insulting others, including Gachagua, I don’t want to be part of that. If I see someone doing this, I will have them chased out of Jubilee,” he added.
Kioni has remained one of the most vocal Jubilee leaders since the party moved into opposition after the 2022 General Election. He has also been among the strongest advocates for Matiang’i’s potential presidential bid, positioning the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as a key opposition figure ahead of the next election cycle.
His latest remarks are likely to fuel fresh debate over internal dynamics within Jubilee as the party seeks to redefine its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape and forge alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
